Today in News History

On July 12, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1862, The Medal of Honor is authorized by the United States Congress. In 1916, Lyudmila Pavlichenko, Ukrainian-Russian soldier and sniper (died 1974) was born. In 1937, Robert McFarlane, American colonel and diplomat, 13th United States National Security Advisor (died 2022) was born. In 1943, World War II: Battle of Kursk: German and Soviet forces engage in the Battle of Prokhorovka, one of the largest armored engagements of all time. In 1952, Irina Bokova, Bulgarian politician, Bulgarian Minister of Foreign Affairs was born. In 1961, ČSA Flight 511 crashes at Casablanca-Anfa Airport in Morocco, killing 72. In 2001, Space Shuttle program: Space Shuttle Atlantis is launched on mission STS-104, carrying the Quest Joint Airlock to the International Space Station. In 2006, The 2006 Lebanon War begins. In 2007, U.S. Army Apache helicopters engage in airstrikes against armed insurgents in Baghdad, Iraq, where civilians are killed; footage from the cockpit is later leaked to the Internet. In 2008, Tony Snow, American journalist, 26th White House Press Secretary (born 1955) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.